Cheddar Bay Biscuit Cobbler: A Savory Twist on Comfort Food

Cheddar Bay Biscuits, those warm, buttery, garlicky delights from Red Lobster, have a devoted following. But what if you could take that beloved flavor profile and transform it into a hearty, savory cobbler? Enter the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Cobbler, a comforting and surprisingly easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering.

This recipe combines a savory filling, typically featuring chicken, vegetables, or both, with a topping of homemade (or semi-homemade!) Cheddar Bay Biscuits. The result is a warm, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken or vegetables, and the biscuit topping adds a touch of indulgence that elevates the dish beyond your average casserole.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Comfort Food with a Twist:** It takes the comforting essence of chicken pot pie or shepherd’s pie and adds a delicious Cheddar Bay Biscuit topping for a unique and memorable flavor.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is surprisingly simple, especially if you opt for pre-made biscuit dough. The filling can be prepped ahead of time, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile:** You can customize the filling to your liking, using your favorite vegetables, meats, and seasonings. Vegetarian options are easily accommodated.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** The savory flavors and comforting texture make this cobbler a hit with kids and adults alike.
* **Uses Leftovers:** A brilliant way to use up leftover roast chicken, turkey, or cooked vegetables.

## Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for both the filling and the Cheddar Bay Biscuit topping. Remember, this recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand.

### For the Savory Filling:

* **2 tablespoons olive oil or butter:** For sautéing the vegetables.
* **1 onion, chopped:** Forms the base of the flavor profile.
* **2 carrots, chopped:** Adds sweetness and texture.
* **2 celery stalks, chopped:** Contributes to the classic savory flavor base.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Adds pungent aroma and flavor.
* **1 pound cooked chicken, shredded or cubed:** Leftover roast chicken works perfectly. You can also use turkey, ham, or sausage.
* **1 cup frozen peas:** Adds sweetness and color. You can substitute with other vegetables like green beans or corn.
* **1 cup frozen corn:** Adds sweetness and texture.
* **1 cup diced potatoes:** Adds heartiness and body to the filling. Cooked potatoes are best.
* **1/2 cup all-purpose flour:** To thicken the sauce.
* **4 cups chicken broth:** Forms the base of the sauce. Use low-sodium to control the salt content.
* **1/2 cup heavy cream or milk:** Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
* **1 teaspoon dried thyme:** Adds an earthy and savory flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary:** Complements the thyme and adds a piney aroma.
* **Salt and pepper to taste:** Adjust seasoning to your liking.
* **Optional:** 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms, 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.

### For the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping:

There are two options for the biscuit topping: homemade or store-bought. Homemade biscuits will always taste better, but using store-bought biscuit dough is a great time-saver.

**Option 1: Homemade Cheddar Bay Biscuits**

* **2 cups all-purpose flour:** Provides the structure for the biscuits.
* **1 tablespoon baking powder:** Leavens the biscuits, making them light and fluffy.
* **1/2 teaspoon baking soda:** Reacts with buttermilk to further leaven the biscuits.
* **1 teaspoon salt:** Enhances the flavor of the biscuits.
* **1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes:** Adds richness and flakiness to the biscuits.
* **3/4 cup cold buttermilk:** Provides moisture and tanginess. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
* **1 cup shredded cheddar cheese:** Adds cheesy flavor and texture.
* **1/4 cup melted butter:** For brushing the biscuits after baking.
* **1/2 teaspoon garlic powder:** Adds that signature Cheddar Bay Biscuit flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon dried parsley:** Adds color and flavor.

**Option 2: Store-Bought Biscuit Dough**

* **1 can (16 ounces) refrigerated buttermilk biscuit dough:** A convenient shortcut.
* **1/4 cup melted butter:** For brushing the biscuits after baking.
* **1/2 teaspoon garlic powder:** Adds that signature Cheddar Bay Biscuit flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon dried parsley:** Adds color and flavor.
* **1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional):** For topping the biscuits before baking.

## Equipment

* **Large skillet or Dutch oven:** For preparing the filling.
* **9×13 inch baking dish:** For baking the cobbler.
* **Mixing bowl:** For making the biscuit dough (if making homemade).
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate measuring.
* **Whisk:** For combining the dry ingredients for the biscuits.
* **Pastry cutter or your fingers:** For cutting the butter into the flour for the biscuits.

## Instructions

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own Cheddar Bay Biscuit Cobbler. Follow these instructions carefully, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious and comforting meal in no time.

### Step 1: Prepare the Savory Filling

1. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Add the Chicken and Vegetables:** Stir in the cooked chicken, frozen peas, frozen corn, and diced potatoes. Mix well to combine.
3. **Make the Sauce:** Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. **Finish the Filling:** Stir in the heavy cream or milk, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
5. **Preheat the oven** to 400°F (200°C).

### Step 2: Prepare the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping (Homemade)

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. **Cut in the Butter:** Cut the cold butter into cubes and add it to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. **Add the Cheddar Cheese:** Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
4. **Add the Buttermilk:** Gradually add the cold buttermilk, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix. The dough will be slightly sticky.

### Step 2: Prepare the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping (Store-Bought)

1. **Prepare the Biscuits:** Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate the biscuits.

### Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Cobbler

1. **Pour Filling into Baking Dish:** Pour the savory filling into the 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. **Top with Biscuits (Homemade):** Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough evenly over the filling. You can use a cookie scoop or two spoons to do this.
3. **Top with Biscuits (Store-Bought):** Arrange the biscuits evenly over the filling. If desired, sprinkle the biscuits with shredded cheddar cheese.
4. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
5. **Make the Garlic Butter:** While the cobbler is baking, melt the butter in a small bowl. Stir in the garlic powder and dried parsley.
6. **Brush with Garlic Butter:** Once the cobbler is out of the oven, brush the biscuits with the garlic butter.
7. **Let Cool Slightly:** Let the cobbler cool for a few minutes before serving.

## Tips and Tricks

* **Don’t Overmix the Biscuit Dough:** Overmixing will result in tough biscuits. Mix until just combined.
* **Use Cold Ingredients:** Cold butter and buttermilk are essential for creating flaky biscuits.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the filling before adding the biscuit topping and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the filling, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or green beans.
* **Use Different Meats:** You can substitute the chicken with turkey, ham, sausage, or even ground beef.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the meat and add more vegetables to create a vegetarian version.
* **Prepare Ahead:** The filling can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the cobbler just before baking.
* **Freeze for later:** Baked cobbler can be frozen in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350F (175C) until heated. Biscuits will be softer than freshly baked.
* **Don’t have Buttermilk:** Make a quick buttermilk substitute with one tablespoon of lemon juice mixed into milk to equal 3/4 cup.

## Variations

* **Spicy Cheddar Bay Biscuit Cobbler:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or the biscuit dough for a spicy kick.
* **Seafood Cheddar Bay Biscuit Cobbler:** Use cooked shrimp, crab, or lobster in the filling for a decadent seafood version. Use fish broth instead of chicken broth.
* **Vegetarian Cheddar Bay Biscuit Cobbler:** Use a variety of vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peas, corn, and mushrooms in the filling. Use vegetable broth.
* **Cheesy Chicken Cheddar Bay Biscuit Cobbler:** Add more cheddar cheese to both the filling and the biscuit topping for an extra cheesy treat.
* **Herbaceous Cheddar Bay Biscuit Cobbler:** Add fresh herbs such as chives, dill, or parsley to the filling and the biscuit topping for a fresh and flavorful twist.

## Serving Suggestions

Cheddar Bay Biscuit Cobbler is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to round out your meal:

* **Side Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Offer a side of steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy coleslaw complements the savory flavors of the cobbler.
* **Fruit Salad:** A light and refreshing fruit salad provides a sweet contrast to the savory cobbler.

## Storage

* **Refrigerator:** Leftover Cheddar Bay Biscuit Cobbler can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
* **Freezer:** Baked cobbler can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate)

(Values will vary depending on the specific ingredients used)

* Calories: 450-600 per serving
* Fat: 25-35g
* Protein: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g

## Conclusion

The Cheddar Bay Biscuit Cobbler is a delicious and comforting twist on classic comfort food. With its savory filling and cheesy, garlicky biscuit topping, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this recipe is a winner. So, give it a try and experience the magic of Cheddar Bay Biscuits in a whole new way!